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EMU Police Chief Commits Suicide

YPSILANTI (WWJ/AP) - The police chief at Eastern Michigan University has died in a suicide.

The Washtenaw County sheriff's office tells AnnArbor.com that Greg O'Dell was found dead Friday just west of Ann Arbor. He was 54 years old.

O'Dell had recently returned to Ypsilanti as EMU's police chief after three months as public safety chief at the University of Michigan. He said he wanted to return to a job he loved.

In a written statement, EMU President Susan Martin said the campus is "shocked and saddened" by O'Dell's death.

"Chief O'Dell was wonderful man who was deeply admired for his tremendous contributions to the Ann Arbor and Eastern Michigan communities. He was respected both as a caring person and as a highly accomplished police officer. He was a beloved and key member of the leadership team of Eastern and I will personally deeply miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time," said Martin.

O'Dell was in law enforcement for 30 years, much of it with Ann Arbor police. Saline Police Chief Paul Bunten says he didn't detect any problems when they talked a few days ago.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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